I've seen Nicole perform live many times over the last few years, and thought it would be cool to post up some of the photos I've taken from those shows. Inbetween the pictures I've posted the text of my review of Mondo Amore, (in case the photo here is too small to read).

Nicole Atkins returns to the New York (and world) music scene with her long-awaited second album "Mondo Amore." Opening track "Vultures" presents a lyrical landscape riddled with fear and loathing.

"My Baby Don't Lie" recreates a classic down-home jug-band-on-the-back-porch feel that British blues rockers like Led Zepplin loved to emulate. The record then segues into more familiar sonic territory before returning to the original southern fried vibe.

"This Is For Love" uses fiddling violins for maximum background effect, cleverly blending them into a country rock format

but it's "You Were The Devil" that delivers Nicole's most sensuous vocal performance on the album: inside a twangy western motif, the subject matter emphasizes the albums overall theme - love, loved - then lost.

"War Is Hell" explores this emotional experience further. Nicole's vocals underscore exactly what she does best - the torch song.

"Heavy Boots" effectively uses cathedral organ and piano to dramatically highlight this tale of leaden footwear. "The warriors are waiting outside for you on the street. The hungry virgin eyes with scorpions in their smile. They are no match for me."

"The Tower" re-imagines Led Zepplin's "Dazed & Confused" minus the extended stoner jam (though live her band at points have gone even there) - there is a tasty guitar solo, though. This may also work as a break-up song.

cool.i knew about nicole from dave's writing, and i love since first time i read about her, i adore her since i first heard her. thanks, dave, for introducing with her music. ;)and it seams that it should be a pretty cool album this one. ;)

ok. i heard all the songs.and - what can i say - when the whole world goes digitalized i like old kind of stuff. when some goes for cyber sex - i go for real one, when some goes for sms chat - i prefer eye to eye one, when some goes for digital copy of this album - i prefer real physical release. this album should be buy as a cd or even vinyl one. i want to get it!it was definitely worth for waiting. all songs sounds great. my favorites are:cry cry cry - i heard it performed live on some radio station and it sounded different then album version. voltures are love at third sight.you were the devil is the ultimate song of the album. love it most. really goodtowers is a great discover to me.all other songs are not bad as well. but from my first listen i would except those above.worth for waiting.wonder if she'll come to europe?....

I stopped reading music reviews years ago since I found it pointless- the reviewers could never show the real atmosphere of the music, for many times I was disappointed with what I heard on the album and it was so different from what they wrote about. But there are other reviews, like this one.

I am hyped for this album, thanks to your thoughts on it, Dave. Nicole's music has been heard around those pages for a few times in the past and every time I truly enjoyed it. Those references you made to Led Zeppelin- there's no more recommendation I need. I can't wait to hear it.

And yes, I also think that Pulitzer isn't out of place in this discussion. For example- personally, I don't know any other blog or web site or anything where a *single person* covers such a large amount of cultural events in a selected area, New York in this case, and in such a fantastic, refreshing style. That's really something.

Thanks for your thoughts on this feature and Nicole's music in general, eagle.

And a special, personal thanks from me, for recognizing the fact that, yes - this blog is the work of one individual. I've purposely focused on presenting fewer, but more in-depth features. Rather than succumb to the current trend of short, simple hit-and-run bursts, (that often have more to do with an attempt to be "first" about something), I would rather present something more detailed. I personally find that far more interesting.

Oh, I totally agree. This respectful, focused and intelligent way in which you work on your blog, Dave, is absolutely unique. I look forward to seeing other bloggers and authors follow this path.

As for Nicole's album- I think it's really good. It's not a revolutionary recording but it's not ment to be one. She's not trying to prove anything, same goes for the rest of the band- they just do their thing and that's great. It's really enjoyable and relaxing music, pretty much "chilled out" if you know what I mean. I really like it.